Can You Use Packing Peanuts in the Bottom of Planters?
Many people consider packing peanuts a nuisance. They biodegrade very slowly and are a hindrance to anyone looking to live a "green" lifestyle. They come as padding for fragile objects sent through mail, and can often be time consuming to clean up after the package is opened. But there are uses for packing peanuts that you may have left over in your home. And one such use could have you buying them specifically. They can be put in the bottom of a planter you are using to house a plant, flower or herb.
Using Packing Peanuts in Planters
Packing peanuts, made from Styrofoam, are is commonly used for planting in a large container. Large planters can be heavy and cumbersome and are made more so by filling them with a bottom layer of gravel or rocks for drainage purposes. To lessen the weight of a planter, and optimize drainage without sacrificing root growth, packing peanuts can be placed in the bottom. They are an ideal material because when put in loosely, water and roots can move among them, and they are inexpensive compared to soil. Not everyone chooses to use them, though. Some gardeners complain that when transplanting the plant the peanuts can cause a mess. If your plant has a developed root structure, the peanuts will be connected to it; if not they will still be loose and will have to be picked up.
Alternatives to Packing Peanuts
There are several alternatives to using packing peanuts. When choosing what to use for your planter's bottom layer, keep in mind that you have to maintain drainage capabilities and root growth. Never use something that closes the drainage hole at the bottom of the planter completely, or that can't be penetrated by roots and water. Some gardeners choose to use crushed soda cans, and others prefer natural materials like rocks or pine cones.
